The airframe is built using 1 1/4 inch formed aircraft grade thick wall aluminum tubes, and gusset plates. This gives it a great deal of strength, which resists bending and gives increased pilot protection. This strength allows the use of 2.7 oz. fabric for covering rather than the normal 1.7 ounce found in most other light sport aircraft in this category. Which allows for a tighter covering installation which converts to better performance. "The Hornet incorporates dual-spar wings and is rated to fly to 4G’s. Unlike the typical ultralight style wing in which strength is made up of leading and trailing edge tubes, each attached to a strut, the Hornet wing is built around two bridge-section spars attached to a single strut. This assembly is then surrounded by leading and trailing edges that are all tied together with top and bottom ribs attached thru interlocking gussets. This configuration provides superior strength and less drag than other designs." The Hornet uses a single aluminum laminar airfoil strut to support the wing. The wing has been tested to 4.5 g's. The Hornet airframe is built by the factory, in factory jigs, each airframe has over 7,000 factory installed rivets. The builder does not have to do any fabrication as all parts are produced by the factory by computer automated equipment. The assembly manuals are step by step, well illustrated, with colour photographs. The builder just has to do the final assembly, covering, engine, instrument installation, covering and paint. The factory indicates the building a Hornet is "no more difficult than wrapping a present or ironing a short." The average builder can build the plane using normal hand tools in a single or two car garage, in 300 to 350 hours. Higher Class Aviation 2471 Monecito Rd. Ramona CA. 92065 760-789-8607 |